Oh yes we did. We’ve jumped on the brew-haha bandwagon along with every other Charlotte publication and Insta-account, since craft beer is the new non-fat latte. If you are already a patron of Charlotte’s vibrant brew scene, feel free to add your thoughts in the comments below. But if you are ~ like most of us at scoopcharlotte ~ overwhelmed and a little astonished at the pace of the pub openings and crafty introductions at the QC eateries, our updated list might help you sort it all out.

We thought that it’s about time everyone had a formal introduction to the key players. We’ll start with breweries crafting their own beers on-site, then move to other spots about town where you can sip and sample your top picks from around the region. Without further ado, here’s your scoop girl’s guide to who’s brewing right now in the QC and where to find your favorites.

 

Brewing now (by neighborhood):

 

The Wooden Robot Brewery
1440 S Tryon St #110
Neighborhood: South End

Wooden Robot brings Belgian farmhouse brewing traditions to the heart of the South End neighborhood. Their very own Twisted Eats by Kre8 food truck parks outside the brewery serving up culinary creations made with Wooden Robot beers.

What they’re pouring: The brewery offers 12 craft beers including a Coffee Vanilla Blonde Ale, Sour Red Ale, Raspberry Saison and Sweet Tater Pie Red Ale. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for

Need to know: Happenings at Wooden Robot, including events and food truck schedules, can be found by following their Facebook page.

 

Sycamore Brewing
2161 Hawkins St.
Neighborhood: South End

Plan an afternoon filled with a few of our favorite things: live music, local brews and beautiful Carolina blue skies. Sycamore Brewing has also recently announced a partnership with everyone’s favorite grilled cheese food truck, Papi Queso.

Crowd pleasers on tap: Sycamore’s 28 taps change consistently with whatever’s fresh. Favorites include the Southern Girl Blonde and the Countryside IPA. They also serve champagne, wine and cider.

Must know: Sycamore’s spacious patio draws some serious crowds. Get there early to grab a picnic table, and don’t be afraid to make new friends if another couple has room at theirs. Also, swing by the newly-revamped Food Truck Fridays event now hosted in Sycamore’s parking lot. It’s the perfect casual Friday night date spot.

 

Unknown Brewery
1327 S. Mint St.
Neighborhood: South End

This industrial-style taproom and brewery is a must-stop on your South End beer tour. Enjoy live music in their open brewery or sample one of their seasonal brews. Unknown is a short walking distance to Bank of America Stadium, and their front porch beer garden makes this a tailgate favorite. Also check out their Bike & Brew Club Saturdays at 2:30 PM.

Crowd pleasers on tap: Unknown’s regular brews include the Over the Edge IPA, Pre Game Session Ale and their Ginger Wheat.

Must know: Have a competitive friend? Bring them along on your trip to Unknown. The tables scattered throughout the taproom are covered in classic board games.

 

Triple C Brewing Company
2900 Griffith St.
Neighborhood: South End

Whether you’re looking to enjoy live music, catch the game or soak up some beautiful Carolina weather, Triple C has got you covered. Located steps away from the New Bern light rail station, this brewery offers plenty of homebrewed options in a laid-back atmosphere with a patio. Fido can join too!

Crowd pleasers on tap: Seven year-round beers including the award-winning 3C IPA and the knock your socks off Baby Maker Double IPA. They also currently have four seasonal brews on tap. Get the latest options here.

Must know: Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Stay in the know with Triple C’s food truck schedule here.

 

Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
3000 S. Tryon Street
Neighborhood: South End

Try something different at Lenny Boy Brewing Company. Taste organic kombucha, gluten free wild ales, gluten-reduced beers, sours and traditional craft beer in their brand new digs on South Tryon. Free tours are given Thursdays and Fridays at 6 pm.

Crowd pleasers on tap: Local kombucha, unique ales, and sours alongside traditional brews.

Must know: Don’t let the weekends slow down your healthy lifestyle. Check out the Yoga + Run Club for Saturday and Sunday classes.

 

Sugar Creek Brewing Company
215 Southside Dr.
Neighborhood: South End

What would you get if you combined a watchful Trappist Monk and nuclear engineer? Great beer. Sugar Creek Brewing Company’s beautiful and spacious taproom and happening patio make it a go-to for Belgian inspired beer lovers.

Crowd pleasers on tap: Regular rotations include the White Ale, Saison, Belgian Dubbel and Pale Ale. View all beers including seasonal on their website.

Must know: There’s never a dull moment at Sugar Creek. Beer lovers keep coming back for arts & crafts events, live music, fitness classes and more. Keep up to date with their online calendar.

 

Blue Blaze Brewing
528 S Turner Ave
Neighborhood: West End

What started out as a love for home brewing turned into a passion for authentic and locally-sourced brews for Blue Blaze Brewing founders Craig Nunn and Sven Giersmann. Under the direction of Master Brewer Steve Turner, the brewery offers five flagship beers along with a rotation of seasonal and specialty brews.

Crowd pleasers on tap: The Blue Blaze™ Altbier and Amber Blaze™ Amber

Must know: Hop aboard a brewery tour Wednesdays at 5:30 pm.

 

Birdsong Brewing Co.
1016 N Davidson St.
Neighborhood: NoDa

Birdsong Brewing Co. is serving up the same brews you love with some weekly new additions. The folks at Birdsong are passionate about what they do and their beer, so don’t be shy to introduce yourself and learn about the beer making process.

Crowd pleasers on tap: Higher Ground IPA and Jalapeño Pale Ale are favorite go-to’s, but Birdsong offers a number of year-round, seasonal and limited release brews on tap. See the full list here.

Must know: Join them for THURSday THURSdays, where they release a new small batch beer for customers each week. See the latest releases here. They also have free tours on Thursday at 6:30 PM.

 

Free Range Brewing
2320 N Davidson St.
Neighborhood: NoDa

Two brothers set out to open a family-friendly brewpub earlier this year. With their designated kid’s area, art gallery feel among picnic tables and corn hole, they’ve definitely accomplished their mission.

Crowd pleasers on tap: Here you’ll find brews inspired by what’s in season, whether its Keep on Pickin’, a Carolina Farmhouse with Roselle Hibiscus, or I Knead You, a collaboration with Duke’s Bread.

Must know: Free Range is committed to community, and frequently hosts artists receptions and swing dance classes, among other fun offerings. Check Facebook for the latest schedule of events.

 

Heist Brewery
2909 N Davidson St. #200
Neighborhood: NoDa

A far cry from its cotton mill days in the early 1900s, Heist is a thriving local hub for local brews, outdoor patio sitters and even brunch-goers. Not just for beer lovers, Heist offers a full lunch, dinner and brunch menu.

Crowd pleasers on tap: 10 handcrafted brews are available by the glass, flight or pitcher. Picks include the Mr. Benton, Whirlpool Willie and the Out to Pasture.

Must know: Heist also offers wine, craft cocktails and beer cocktails. No matter what your crew is into, this is a happy hour spot we can all get behind.

 

NoDa Brewing Company
2921 N. Davidson St.
Neighborhood: NoDa

Spend a day in the sun at their new Tryon Street location and sample their award winning tastes. Since no food is allowed, they have rotating food trucks on-site, and beer drinkers are allowed to bring outside food in.

Crowd pleasers on tap: The award winning Hop Drop ‘N Roll IPA, along with the popular Jam Session and Coco Loco. Not fans of boring, theNoDa team roles out a new small batch beer each Tuesday in their Nodable series.

Must know: The brewery offers a huge patio with community picnic tables and adirondack chairs, perfect for soaking up the Fall weather.

 

Salud Beer Shop & Nanobrewery
3306-B N. Davidson Street
Neighborhood: NoDa

A fun, laid-back beer shop and brewpub in the heart of NoDa. Connected to FūD at Salud, this place is a one-stop shop for your favorite brew and a Waffle-Wich.

Crowd pleasers on tap: This is another place to go if you’re trying to hunt down a rare brew. They have a handful of taps and walls of bottles and cans, in addition to the nano-brewery offerings. See the full list of what’s on tap by visiting their website.

Must know: A 1-barrel system nano-brewery recently opened at Salud Beer Shop. Selections are sourced from local home brewer Denny Deaton. Get the latest info here.

 

Legion Brewing
1906 Commonwealth Avenue
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood

Help us welcome Legion Brewing into the Charlotte beer scene. As they get ready to open before Thanksgiving of this year, we’re daydreaming about the ideal location and American-style brews. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for updates and opening information.

Crowd pleasers on tap: Weekend Warrior American Pilsner, Rise and Grind Coffee Porter and perfect for fall, the Earthbound and Down Sweet Potato Belgian Blonde.

Must know: Try their Adventure Tap for $4, $1 of which is donated to charity.

 

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
4150 Yancey Rd.

Step into a traditional brauhaus in the heart of Charlotte at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Hundreds find peace not only inside of the festhalle, but in the biergarten each Tuesday evening for OMB on Tap, a guided yoga class sprawling across the shady grounds.

Crowd pleasers on tap: Start off by trying one of three OMB beers available year-round: Copper, Capt Jack or the Southside Weiss. Then venture on to a seasonal pour, currently in the spotlight are Mecktoberfest and Bauern Bock.

Must know: Experience the brewing process for yourself Saturdays & Sundays at 2, 3 and 4 PM. Registration is not required and no purchase is necessary to hop aboard the 40 minute tour.

 

Red Clay Ciderworks
245 Clanton Road
Neighborhood: Lower South End

Not a fan of beer? No problem. Give Red Clay Cidery a try. While the cider takes center stage, Red Clay also services up local beers on rotation and wine.

Crowd pleasers on tap: It’s not all apples here. There’s the Cherry Bobbin’ Trails made with Michigan cherries, the Nor’Easter infused with cranberry, the Hoppin’ Good Thyme and classics South End Sweet and Queen City Commons.

Must know: Nothing says fall quite like a Cidermosa. See when they’ll be pouring them by keeping up with their Facebook page. 

 

Thirsty Nomad Brewing Company
4402 Stuart Andrew Blvd A
Neighborhood: Lower South End

Thirsty Nomad Brewing is a welcome newcomer in the Charlotte craft beer market. Offering 10 taps and operating as a “nano-brewery”, their mission is simple: to provide visitors with good beer in a unique and comfortable tap room. They even encourage you to brew your own, with recipes available online.

Crowd pleasers on tap: Thirsty Nomad offers four “regular offerings” in addition to seasonal rotations, which you can find online here. They also have the local brews available, including Stumptown Cold Brew and Windy Hill Cider.

Must know: In addition to their regular and seasonal offerings, visitors can stretch their palate with a selection from the weekly “Mad Scientist Experiments” menu.

 

Three Spirits Brewery
5046 Old Pineville Road
Neighborhood: Lower South End

Inspired by the lesson in A Christmas Carol, a former ER doctor decided to focus on two things he loved: brewing beer and spending time with his family. In late 2015, he opened Three Spirits Brewery. Stop by to taste some award-winning brews- the brewery has won three silver medals at the 2016 U.S. Open Beer Championship.

Crowd pleasers on tap: Enjoy the last warm fall days with a Southern Bliss light golden ale. And for winter, a Sweet Memories stout with hints of chocolate and caramel. View the full beer list here.

Must know: Three Spirits partners with nearby Old Pineville Premium Pub on food, and they also have food trucks on-site some weekends.

 

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
401 N. Tryon St. Suite 100
Neighborhood: Uptown

Rock Bottom is your one-stop shop for dinner and a handcrafted brew in one accessible location. Head Uptown for made-from-scratch steaks, burgers, seafood and more, along with made-in-house beer from Brewmaster Robb Macleod.

Crowd pleasers on tap: 10 beer brewed just for the Charlotte location, including the Rock Bottom Red Ale and the Dunkel Lager.

Must know: Check out their “Year of Beer” event listing for November here.

 

Who else is pouring your favorites:

 

Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop
1320 S Church Street, Suite #100

Plan a relaxed evening in the cozy atmosphere at Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop. It’s here where you can shop your favorite small batch beers, get a growler filled or fill up on the spot with their huge menu of local and unique beers on tap. To sweeten the deal, they have food menu made up of charcuterie boards and flatbreads that will keep you there throughout the day.

What they’re pouring: Taps rotate, but with all of the choices you’re sure to find a new favorite and something worth coming back for.

Need to know: The cheeses that made up their mouth-watering boards are from local N.C. farms, and are even available to be ordered by weight to take home.

 

Good Bottle Co.
125 Remount Road

Drop in for a pour or to pick up your favorite brew at Good Bottle Co., where they feature different craft beers on tap and a whole store of you guessed it, good beer. If you’re new to beer, Good Bottle is a great place to start because of the variety offered and knowledge of its’ staff.

What they’re pouring: At the back of the store, a full-service bar is ready to satisfy your NC beer cravings. Stay up to date with what’s on tap on their website or Facebook page.

Must know: Point your bike in the direction of Good Bottle each Wednesday night for their weekly Ride Club. You can also rise and shine at their #goodmorning breakfasts on Saturday mornings.

 

 

The Brass Tap
1440 S Tryon Street #105

Can’t make up your mind? Visit our friend at The Brass Tap, where they’re serving up over 300 beers along with handcrafted bites. Located in the heart of South End, this is a great starting point to visit any other breweries or for a lunch and beer tasting. Trivia on Wednesday nights with half off wine for the vino lovers.

What they’re pouring: You have an ever-changing range of options at The Brass Tap, from brews crafted down the street to long-time familiar favorites. Keep up with their specials online.

Must know: This is a football-watchers paradise. Join them for college or NFL gamedays to enjoy a lively crowd and specials. Best way to stay in touch is on their Facebook page.

 

Bulldog Beer and Wine
2447 Park Road (Dilworth location) & 1434 Winnifred Street (South End location)

The beer shop that’s so much fun, they had to do it twice. At either location, you’ll find big bottles, small bottles, cans, growlers and 13 rotating craft beers on tap focused on hard to find and unique pours.

What they’re pouring: Anything you could think of. Tasted a beer that one time somewhere and can’t quite remember exactly what it was? Chances are, Bulldog can.

Need to know: Each Monday, Bulldog Beer and Wine in Dilworth invites their neighbors for the ultimate grill out party. Everyone brings their own meat and a side item, uses the community grills and drinks good beer. On Fridays in South End, come out for live music beginning at 9 pm.

 

Brawley’s Beverage
4620 Park Rd.

This taproom located right on Park Road offers a variety of craft beers and a huge patio perfect for sitting.

What they’re pouring: They pour a variety of different ales and brews and frequently have featured brews on tap. Your best bet is to follow along on Facebook.

Need to know: They offer an alcohol-free brew for dogs! The Boo’s Brew supports a healthy coat and strong joints.

 

Pint Central
1226 Central Ave.

This gem in Plaza Midwood has got it all. A full bar consisting of 34 taps and over 40 bottled beers, custom cocktails and wine. Sit out on the patio with Fido for a relaxing day spent overlooking the skyline. Getting hungry? Chow down on Pint Central’s full menu of appetizers and entrees.

What they’re pouring: With 34 beers on tap, you’ll be sure to find one you like. They update their website with any added to the list in the past 48 hours.

Need to know: Pint Central has something for everyone. From big screen Movie nights to daily special, stay up to date on all of their events by liking their Facebook page.

 

Growlers Pourhouse
3120 N Davidson St

Don’t leave NoDa without a stop to Growler’s Pourhouse. It’s the perfect place to grab craft beers from around the world, perfectly complemented with “beer food”, think oysters, shrimp, brats and more, all made in-house.

What they’re pouring: Their chalkboard style menu is continuously full of American and international beers, including Uinta Brewing Company’s Punk’n and Birdsong’s Lazy Bird Brown Ale. Keep up with what’s on tap now on their website.

Must know: The best way to find a favorite here is to try a flight. Pick a few top contenders and try samples of each. You may also pick up a growler to-go, perfect for holiday parties.

On the move:

Bikes & Brews Tours
Charlotte NC Tours

Ditch the Uber and travel from brewery to brewery by bike. This three-hour tour available every day takes bikers by 2-3 local breweries for tastings at each. Buy your tickets online here.

 

Feast Food Tours

Hop aboard a Feast Food Tour for an insider look into the restaurants and breweries foodies flock to. Try the NoDa and South End tours for a glimpse into neighborhood breweries.

 

Brews Cruise Charlotte

Want to explore the beer scene but looking for someone else to take over the planning? Look no further than the Charlotte Brews Cruise. Enjoy a day of behind the scenes tours at three area breweries and between 12-15 beer samples. Public, private and customized tours available.

 

On demand:

BREWPUBLIK

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